Bob Clark Discusses St. Louis Region's Challenges and County Executive Race

Influential business leader reflects on St. Louis' strengths and the need for regional cooperation

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bob Clark, founder of construction company Clayco, discusses the challenges facing the St. Louis region, including dilapidated buildings, neglected infrastructure, and litter. Clark, who grew up in Bridgeton and started his business in St. Louis, credits the region's educated workforce and strong construction industry as key factors in Clayco's early success. He says the region must come together to address these issues, and is watching the St. Louis County Executive race as an important step in that direction.

Why it matters

As one of the region's most prominent business leaders, Clark's perspective on St. Louis' strengths and weaknesses carries significant weight. His comments highlight the need for greater regional cooperation and leadership to tackle longstanding problems like blight and infrastructure decay, which impact the region's reputation and economic competitiveness.

The details

Clark, who founded Clayco 40 years ago, says St. Louis was a "great launch pad" for his company due to the region's educated workforce, skilled labor, and strong construction trade programs. However, he notes that the region now faces visible challenges like dilapidated buildings, neglected highways, and litter that create a poor first impression for visitors. Clark believes these regional problems must be addressed collectively, rather than siloed by individual neighborhoods or municipalities.

  • Clark founded Clayco 40 years ago in St. Louis.
  • The upcoming St. Louis County Executive race is an election Clark is watching closely.

The players

Bob Clark

Founder of construction company Clayco, who grew up in Bridgeton and started his business in St. Louis.

Clayco

A construction company founded by Bob Clark that benefited from St. Louis' educated workforce and skilled labor when it was starting out.

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What they’re saying

“St. Louis was a great launch pad.”

— Bob Clark, Founder, Clayco (constructforstl.org)

What’s next

The upcoming St. Louis County Executive race is an election that Bob Clark is watching closely, as he believes it will be an important step in addressing the region's challenges through greater cooperation and leadership.

The takeaway

As a prominent business leader who has deep roots in the St. Louis region, Bob Clark's comments highlight the need for a collaborative, regional approach to tackling longstanding issues like blight and infrastructure decay. His perspective underscores the importance of the upcoming St. Louis County Executive race in providing the leadership necessary to unite the region and improve its competitiveness.